Business and Web 2.0: K-State professor's new book explains social media beyond communication

MANHATTAN -- By now most people know how to post a picture of their pets on Facebook, but how do you go from communicating with friends to creating a business opportunity using Twitter, LinkedIn or a blog?

In his new book "Web 2.0 and Social Media for Business," Roger McHaney, professor of management information systems in the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University, explains how businesses can use Web 2.0 applications to their advantage.

"Web 2.0 applications and social media have provided new venues for businesses to inform, understand and connect with their customers, but not everyone is taking advantage of these opportunities," McHaney said.

His new book provides a general understanding of using blogs, podcasts, live streaming, wikis, social buzz, social media, and more to enable businesses to rethink their approach and leverage new digital media's advantages. Included in the book are theoretical concepts and practical examples of how to build a blog using WordPress. The book includes a review of popular social media platforms, including Twitter, Reddit, Pinterest and Klout, from a business perspective.

The book, aimed at business students, is supported by advertising, so it can be downloaded for free.

McHaney holds the Daniel D. Burke distinguished chair for exceptional faculty at the College of Business Administration and is a Coffman chair for distinguished teaching scholars. His previous book, "The New Digital Shoreline," was published by Stylus Publishing in 2011.